Hi, I'm going to start doing hardscapes this spring, and I'm looking into buying a plate compactor. What do you guys think about the 6HP plate compactor from Northern Tool? It's $949.00 which seems reasonable, and has 3,527 lbs of force. Just wondering if this would be a good one. What would you guys recommend? Thanks for your input:)

SCL

01-25-2006, 10:30 AM

Bomag had a promotion on their small plate, normally 1700, saw it at Mid Am for $1400. Will last forever, you can get parts, and an all around better value. My $.02!
Scott

Henry

01-25-2006, 10:53 AM

I don't think I would buy a compactor from there. It may be great piece of equipment but I like to have something that is proven and available locally.

We have one of those Bomag units but only use it for setting pavers. It puts out around 4600 pounds of force and cost me about $2k with the wheel kit. We started using a reversible plate with close to 8k lbs. of force for base installation last year.

GreenMonster

01-25-2006, 10:55 AM

Northern is prolly gonna nail you on shipping too, aren't they? I would try to find something locally. Bomag is good. I have a Whacker that has been good as well.

neversatisfiedj

01-25-2006, 03:11 PM

Ransome rents has the best prices on Wacker

http://ransome.cat.com/?referrer=http://search.yahoo.com/search

Green-Pro

01-25-2006, 03:22 PM

Hi, I'm going to start doing hardscapes this spring, and I'm looking into buying a plate compactor. What do you guys think about the 6HP plate compactor from Northern Tool? It's $949.00 which seems reasonable, and has 3,527 lbs of force. Just wondering if this would be a good one. What would you guys recommend? Thanks for your input:)

O.k. I'll go against the grain :waving: I ordered the plate compactor from Northern Tool, not the one your talking about but the reversible one heres the link http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=200314474&R=200314474

I paid $1999 for it, shipping was not that bad, and for anything of comparable size around here with the Honda engine it was right in line for price. That said I think its a heckuva piece of equipment, have used the snot out of it and brother it packs. Heavy s.o.b. though, but I wanted the big boy, we use a two wheel cart or the tractor to move it around. We've used on wall base, patio base, and putting green base.